Manipal walkathon to create awareness against drugs a big draw

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Manipal, 24 Feb 2013: Some 5000 students, staff and others took part in the Manipal University and Udupi District Police jointly organized “Walkathon 2013” to create awareness on the harmful effects of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. The walk was flagged off by the Chancellor of the University, Dr Ramdas M Pai from KMC Greens here on Saturday, and it terminated at MGM College.
The event was organized to raise awareness on the menace of substance abuse by the youth today. Together, the University and the police are making all efforts to help the youth beat addictions and live a better life so that they become a productive part of the society. The awareness campaign got a huge boost with the massive turn-out. 

The placards and banners carried messages to combat SAD (smoking, alcohol, drugs), which is a major problem plaguing the society today.  T-shirts and caps with say “no to drugs” were distributed to the participants.  The Vice Chancellor, Dr K Ramnarayan had a terse message to the thousands who had gathered at the Greens. He said; “Be aware of the danger of drugs, be alert to the dangers of drugs and be active so that you are away from drugs.  Keep away from drugs at all times and for that, be aware, be alert and be active”.

 

Participants at the start of the walk

 

Chancellor Manipal University, Dr Ramdas M Pai flagging off Walkathon 2013 from KMC Greens in manipal 

Addressing the gathering at the Greens,   Udupi District Superintendent of Police, Dr M.B. Boralingaiah spelt out the measures being taken by the police to curb the menace in Manipal. The walkathon also coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Indian police.
“Manipal is a world class university and attracts students from across the country and the globe. So anything that happens here is known all over the country.  You know that any institution with youngsters is vulnerable to bad practices. In this context I would like to enlighten you about the measures that are being taken by the police to check some of the practices”. He also mentioned about the rash and negligent driving and also the unnatural deaths that occur, specially along the beaches of Udupi and Mangalore districts. 

Dr Boralingaiah said the police would strictly enforce rules against late nights and binge drinking on streets. “If students are found indulging in any such activity, their names would be given to the University authorities on a weekly basis,” he said and added, “depending on the nature of the offence, it would be communicated to their parents”.

“Don’t be seen on the road after 11 pm without any reason and don’t be seen in the vicinity of the lake after 7.30pm,” he said. “Whatever special drive is being carried out, it is for your good and for the good of Manipal,” he said. He urged the students to bring it to the notice of the police in case they knew of any offenders. He also advised the university authorities to take strict action against the offenders and to keep a close watch on those who are not doing well in studies.